Ah, the smell of turkeys... The sound of Thanksgiving! *uhh Leya, you don't celebrate Thanksgiving in your country! /laughs/*

Still and all, it's just the right season to be grateful for EVERYTHING, fandom-wise. I have prepped to make a pimp post/list of all of NEWS' activities this 2016, but I was apparently distant for some time, and I couldn't do it without possibly missing a detail or two (but I still want to do it; why not? ^_^)

Although I'm a week late with the LJ greeting, my birthday posts were actually posted early--minutes to November 11. Ironically, even when now I don't get enthusiastic over NEWS/Tegoshi like I used to, his 29th birthday was his birthday I anticipated the most. Blame the 29-peso Coke Float from McDonalds I got addicted to; every time I bought the flashing ₱29 made me think of Tegoshi (even Brendon) and his then-incoming 29th year of fucking existence.

A week after the post, I’d like to rant. I usually say what I think on FB but I feel like this is a small, shallow complaint, otherwise it affects me negatively. I’m very, very, very disappointed that my birthday post got a low count of 20 notes.

Yes it matters to me, especially when my past tributes never reached below the 50-note mark. There’s a reason I don’t go too personal on Tumblr: it is where I want recognition for my aesthetics rather than to be gushy or soppy (not to say I ain’t ever! For one, my birthday post is a gushy type of post.)

To be fair I still had another birthday tribute posted, and it got an equal number of notes yet it was a sleazy bit that I wasn’t too concerned about. (crossposted on Tumblr and All Things Tegoshit)

It was the antithesis to the seriousness of the other post, and an indicator that despite everything, I was very much having fun that day.

Speaking of having fun! On Nov. 11 I had a spontaneous meet-up with Dhes, where the idea of this entry’s title comes from. “Spontenacious” for the half-carefree, half-solid celebration, and “Cereb-ration”, because we had a whole afternoon/evening of fandom talk—portions of which were intellectual, almost deep discussions about Tegoshi, Tegomass, NEWS… you know, fandom thingamajigs.

And in every fan gathering there’s a huge deal of wacky and tacky:

You know what it meant, right? xD

GOTTA CATCH IT WHOLE... TEGOMON!!

Oraaaaaaayt. Happy Pocky Day as well!

While Tegoshi’s birthday was a “spontenacious cereb-ration”, Tegomass’ anniversary was a very quiet day for me, having a severe cold and cough I can’t even see the computer screen clearly and all I did was borrow (and credit ofc!) a TM fanart from Deviantart and post it on FB.

But the international fandom has been more than ready. In all its awesomeness, here’s the Intl Paana (including the Japanese fans) tribute to テゴマスの10th!

Tegomass is such a powerful duo shown in the prettiest of images, don't you agree? ♥Again, happy birthday Tegoshi and happy anniversary Tegomass. There are a lot of things to be grateful for, and for us, you are on the top of the list.

The music video for 四銃士 (Yonjuushi) is a delectable treat andyet a disappointment.

In fact, you'll find a whole bunch of reasons why this PV is one of NEWS' best, but there's also something that kills it. 'Yonjuushi' means 'Four Musketeers'--you'll immediately think of the 1970s movie--an old story, its background even much older.

But the PV is quite modern; not futuristic, as I heard some fans say. It's something that, initially basing on the CM promotions, will get you really excited for we see that it's completely different from the other 2015 PVs (KAGUYA and Chumuchumu) which were very traditional. Yonjuushi is a fresh catch from NEWS' past concepts: soccer themes and retro references. And this modern look doesn't fail us, from the PV's setting to the plot, from the choreo to the props. It complements the song's Classic flair, as Yonjuushi's melody is derived from a Classical piece! (to be discussed on the music review IF i get to finish it)

Having a very interesting and enigmatic twist, I admit my expectations for the video shoot up to 200% prior to its release. I watched the teasers/promotions everyday, overly appreciating how this is a bomb and I'll definitely be head over heels when the full PV comes out. I revered too early.

In all fairness, Yonjuushi is aesthetically pleasing. The modernity highlights the boys' handsome faces--while they are truly handsome on a regular basis, Yonjuushi gives them a demigod edge.

The past PVs have a certain vibe of 'Reaching out'. Interacting with kids/people in the soccer songs, impressing the audience in Chankapaana, and seducing the princess and lovers in KAGUYA and Chumuchumu, the latest PV offers less togetherness. Ironically, the song says "One for all, all for one". Arrogant? No it's amazing. How the members' individuality shines here is pure gold. Take these scenes for example:

Tegoshi and being a... well, the star.

Massu and tastes. See the perfumes and clothes.

This is why Koyama's perfect body comes to life.

Remember Shige reading in WORLD QUEST PV? As expected from NEWS' resident smartass.

The PV does have a very nice execution. Unlike in Mr. White short film where the storyline was good but the execution was a meh, in here the visual appeal and sophistication is among the commendable in Johnny's. I can't say that NEWS attacked full force in Yonjuushi, although it's important to note that this is their first DVD single, meaning another milestone for the group. All in all, I still prefer NEWS' latest PV than the one before, and if not only for the puzzling plot (which is a major for me) I would give it a perfect score.

Rating: 3.5 ★ out of 5 ★Download the PV, available in three different formats, at koyashigedake community!

Unlike most of my reviews, I won't get into details here, and it is most likely that this post would not even reach half the length of my other reviews. The purpose of this review is not really for the sake of analysis; but for the ramblings, praises and rants I thought I should deliver before I move on to the main course (which is reviewing the tracks in the album). Um, you know that I'm veraciously critical on sounds than on visuals. xD

チュムチュム (Chumu Chumu) PV should have been one of NEWS' most remarkable PVs--if it wasn't for KAGUYA being released first, 5 months prior, with as colorful and sexy concept as in this new PV. But チュムチュム still has its stand-out points, and that should be the case for their first-ever Indian sound and theme.

The best thing in the PV is the dancing and choreography. We've seen fierce!NEWS especially at concerts but you don't have to be at a concert this time to notice how intricate the steps are, and the equivalent artistry NEWS applies to the dance steps.

Going to the theme, I guess we all have clues on how Indian concepts work, based on Bollywood movies to documentaries about Indian culture... Even just mentioning India you'd know it's about the exaggerations and exaggerations and exaggerations in exaggerating gobs. Why? They like to be fantastic. If we'd be to point one culture that's outrageous in everything, from the number of religious deities, to the everyday fashion style, there's no doubt (and no other options): India.

And so that's how I expected the PV to look like. Outrageous. Lots of random scenes, like flying carpets (I KNOW THAT'S ARABIAN BUT HECK I SAID RANDOM); a happy crowd of back-up dancers (think of Gangnam Style--I KNOW THAT'S KOREAN BUT HECK I SAID RANDOM); NEWS making weird faces in spite of the prevailing sexy concept; displays of Indian musical instruments just to know they are doing legit India; and most importantly, outdoor scenes. Yes, I hoped for a Bollywood movie-style PV.

Instead, I got a dance video of "Let's Zumba with NEWS while learning the basics of belly dancing from the back-up dancers".

This isn't to say that I totally despise the PV. NEWS is enough. No matter how bad a material is, it would always be good enough because we look at the idols more than we care about the background. Seeing their expressions, singing and dancing on camera is sufficient. Now, チュムチュム is even more special. Look at how it differs from KAGUYA even though both are sensual PVs. The other one is dramatic sexy and this is frolic sexy. Next to Koi no ABO, Chumu Chumu is NEWS' party PV. (But ah, we're not talking about a stray disco club in Japan here. We're in "India"!)

I quoted India because, the lack of Indian flavor for my critical taste does not hide the fact that visually, the video shouts no other but India. Musically and lyrically too. The members' faces tell us that they had a good time shooting the PV. Who wouldn't, if you have a very cool choreography covering three-fourths of your video? And who wouldn't, when you are an idol group that's given a chance to interpret themes like these?

I couldn't discuss the dance 'coz I'm uncomfy in that area (frustrated dancer here! orz). All I know is, the lots of jumping coupled with catchy footwork and sultry hand movements are some of the best I've seen from NEWS--in my opinion, this is one of NEWS' best dances--in my honest opinion, this is NEWS' best dance.

And in a dance PV like this, the one who naturally stands out is Massu.

In my Chumu Chumu (song) first impression post, I complained a little about Massu. Whereas in the PV, he's the outstanding one in my eyes. I'm guessing that it is because: A) The choreo excites him B) The costumes (he made) excite him C) His eyeliner excites him D) all of the above. Look closely. Massu is really, really fierce in this PV.

For the other members, I'll put it this way... While Massu shocks me with his fierceness, Koyama gives the adorably cute factor; like, he seriously looks the youngest! Shige is the gentlemanly one, the most fitting 'character' in the PV. If Chumu Chumu was a movie he prolly was the lead actor. Lastly, Tegoshi continues the Diva saga. As if you'd be surprised. xD

Overall, the PV would still have to grow more on me. But the dance is perfect, the costumes are pleasing, and NEWS is eya' hot!

Rating: ★★ for the PV

★★★★★ for NEWS' performance in the PV

For a fuller experience, download the PV and the single's tracks at darxina's journal!

Honestly, MR. WHITE is the first film/short film by a Johnny's group that I've watched so I have no point of comparison. But I can say that the short film could have more potential if the financial effort is done. The story is good (looking past the cliche part--there's a section for that later), the costumes are good, considering the story is cyber-themed and it involves kids; and NEWS' acting skills are quite polished already. The only major setback is the production, I think they got too cheap on that... Whereas a more costly production could make the film very satisfactory.

Why is this important? The majority of the filmviewers are NEWS fans, of course, and we can't really complain about this film because it's the first time the four of them did a thing like this, together. But the group has a lot more to showcase as actors, and the individual contributions (such as Shige's story-writing and Massu's costume-making) could've been maximized. There's much passion and hardwork in NEWS' part. Yet they get less than they deserve. The slacking is not to be blamed on them, really.

In one word, MR. WHITE is: Exciting. The transformation is not so apparent--even in that Ghostbusters-like suit and apparatus they're pretty much like themselves, only geared towards an entirely different mission. And that's what makes it exciting, the rescue mission that need no exaggerations (um, flying capes and extraordinary strength) which would make it absurd, in my opinion, if they used that instead.

The storyline is common. Shige might have had other ideas (vampires and such? LOL) but this was easy and probably less complicated to do. Actually, I like it, because of the Internet theme + children. It's a very good contrast to the recently released KAGUYA in which NEWS showed their sexiness and maturity against an age-old backdrop (a folklore). This time, it's very modern to somehow futuristic, and refreshing because of the costumes and the action scenes that show a new character to the group.

Still on the storyline, if it is typical, the overall plot is not. I very much appreciate the concept used--children are downloaded into the internet, for the purpose of extracting their imagination, using it as energy and foundation for building evil on the Internet. A mind-opening theme that stresses the importance of young people, and the capabilities of the modern technology. The existence of MR. WHITE and Team White, in my interpretation, are not to totally oppose this kind of technology but to take away its negative effects.

At first I have doubts on the costumes. When I watched the whole thing it eventually made sense; it fits the story and the song MR. WHITE itself. Still, I can't help but think of Ghostbusters... But aren't theyWeblack busters too? ★

MR. WHITE runs for approximately 20 minutes 30 seconds. Achieving this, it must've been hard to cram the scenes, and adding more goes beyond the question. It has an easy to understand plot, easy on the eyes cinematography, unforgettable costumes and a catchy theme song. To be frank, I see MR. WHITE as an unpolished experiment rather than a masterpiece. Though there's always room for improvement so I hope that NEWS will be given more projects like this because they can definitely do it.

The film's title is MR. WHITE, yet TEAM WHITE is better, don't you think? They went with the title of the theme song, that's forgivable. But Team White practically did the work to save the children. Like NEWS working hard for the love of us. We love you back, our superheroes. ♥

Because I was inspired by this. Ah, no, it's because I've been wanting to post album reviews of my favorite artists' songs, and for a scatterbrain like me it was nearly impossible to do that... But now I have inspirationsssss (Yes, emphasis on the s), and I've formulated a draft nights ago~ So here we go! ♪♫

Tegomass' youth... These two are adults already, not just literally, but by the experience they have as singers, and it somehow showed in this album. Why 'somehow'? Because as the title implies, it is about Tegomass' youth. The tracks, analyze it or not, gives this 'childhood' feeling, like Tegomass is going back to the basics all over again. I'm not saying they hadn't matured enough; in fact, I could not imagine the songs from this album sung/released in earlier years. In other words Tegomass no Seishun (TMnS) is a perfect merge of maturity and youthful vigor in one.

Compared to the previous albums, TMnS is like Tegomass no Mahou who strictly adheres to its theme. Tegomass no Uta is a mix of different styles that you wouldn't really know what is the prevailing theme (if there is any, as uta means 'song' and they must've really experimented a lot in this one). Tegomass no Ai is a mini-album, which means only a few songs to analyze, and so it give a slight impression of what the theme is supposedly about. Meanwhile, Tegomass no Mahou is relevant. You can really hear the 'magic' the album wants you to hear. And TMnS is basically the same. To stick to the theme, I think it's a good thing!

So... How were the songs arranged and executed? How is the 'youth' factor shown?

01Aoiro Juvenile (Soshoku Juvenile)The first song in the album is a feel-good song that obviously pertains to youth; thus the light melody. It starts with an acoustic guitar solo and then the bass and other instruments throwing in good measures. The melody was like a faster bossa nova (percussion is a winner!) with a touch of festivity. I can imagine banners or flaglets swayed by the wind~ children running~ and well, Tegomass (LOL). After a trumpet blow came in Tegoshi's voice. Massu wasn't there until the second stanza, and the usual harmonization happened, essentially throughout the song. No falsettos nor belting, as it really is light. At some part in the chorus I remembered Marui Chikara but that's just because of the first few notes in that part. Otherwise, Aoiro Juvenile is simply feel-good.

02 HarumekiThis I think has resemblance to TMnM's Yuuyake to Koi to Jitensha. But this has prominent strings (violins, etc) while Yuuyake has prominent electric guitar sound. Don't get me wrong, Harumeki has guitars too but comparing to Yuuyake, the guitar's prominence is relatively low. They have same key signatures (E♭ major), piano ornaments, and aggressive attack by Tegomass in every line. This is an upbeat, energetic song, telling the signs of spring. Oh, so the perfect song for Aries zodiac sign!

After a week of non-stop listening to these songs I've come up with a ranking!Except for Sayonara ni Sayonara and Neko Chuudoku, here is my ranking, in ascending order (12 to 1)

#12 Shounen ~Re:Story~#11 Tsuki no Tomodachi#10 Itsuka no Machi

#9 innocence#8 Aoiro Juvenile#7 Hikari#6 Time Machine#5 Harumeki

#4 Iro Azayakana Kimi ga Egaku Asu no e#3 Kireigoto#2 Fantajia

#1 DONUTS

It's no surprise that two of the tracks that sound like coming from Tegomass no Mahou (Fantajia and Harumeki) are included in my top 5. I love the mahou feel, fyi. ♪ As for DONUTS and Iro Azayakana Kimi ga Egaku Asu no e, they both make me high and even happily delusional! With DONUTS, I'm in a musical. In Iro Azayakana, I'm at a farm. Kireigoto is just fantastic, it's just ♥!! and Tegoshi's voice is so heavenly~

Album rating: ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪/ four lovely eighth notes out of 5!

Download the album (including the PV and the making in one!) go to rockthecliche, track-by-track download is at finay, and if you just want to listen go here@ addictdesu. For the lyrics and translations, go toaitamashii :)

The memories were relieved and haunted me again... At first it was a bad thing; recalling every detail made me cry hard (and even contributed to my fever last Saturday ><), but Sunday night came and as with the details clearer than ever, those details made me reflect on the deeper impact of the news, its overall impact in the fandom and in my life as a fangirl.

Before October 7, 2011

Ignorance

I had no idea. I had no idea about the initial rumors of Yamapi leaving, no idea about Yamapi's promise to fans. I also had very little idea about Yamapi or Ryo's feelings toward NEWS, and finally, I had scarce idea about NEWS' relationship as a whole.

All I knew was they weren't releasing something, and all I did was wait.

Why? That time, I was a blind fan. I knew nothing but the songs, the PVs, the concerts and the guestings; the members, their personalities, their appearances. I didn't care much about NEWS' relationship with each other, all I cared for was "NEWS looks perfect". Yes they looked perfect, but were they perfect? I didn't notice the awkwardness among the members. I didn't notice that there were times Ryo or Pi was nowhere to be found because they had other commitments--I didn't notice all of that--except for Soukon, of course, it was quite obvious that the Soukon team had no RyoPi in it. But I didn't care. Because I was a blind fan.

So during the months that they were inactive, I was just waiting. Patiently waiting.

During October 7, 2011

Devastation

A pretty normal day. In the afternoon, I quit one of my text clans because I wanted to take a break from texting. Along with me another member quit too, and we were laughing at that instance. When evening came, I randomly watched Pacific concert. I noticed I was giving unusual compliments on Pi, 'unusual' because I never talked about Pi this way:

"Pi has a wonderful smile! He smiles like this when he's with NEWS, I can see that he's really happy in the group."

After a couple of hours I received a text from kyaaaAri (Ariel) delivering the news about RyoPi's withdrawal.

"kyaaaAkuma... umalis na ang RyoPi sa NEWS."

It was all so sudden. I did not believe her at first, but after exchanging a few more texts I learned that she was serious (and that was when I also learned that Yamapi had a promise to fans), I started crying. I can't describe how much tears I've shed that night. I cried for hours, my family were already asleep so I went to the balcony of our house and continued crying there. Muttering things, flipping chairs and tables, shouting and cursing (I didn't use swear words tho), looking at the cloudy sky, praying, humming, singing... All my anger for RyoPi, all my worries for the remaining four.

This is what I wrote in my diary:

Really. From 9 to 4? So absurd. So frustrating. So disappointing.

I love the Soukon team. But it’s not the NEWS that I don’t want to break.

I’m having a breakdown.

I’m crying a liter of tears. 1 liter of Tears—Ryo?

Ryo left NEWS right? And Pi, who promised he’ll never do. ><

Lamenting with me is the stupid rain. Reminds me of Taiyou no Namida. Your single. Your NUMBER 1 single. One of your NUMBER 1 singles. And boy, ALL your singles are NUMBER 1!

ARE YOU BLIND??? ARE YOU NOT CONTENTED???

Now I want to go to Japan and slap RyoPi’s faces. Those faces. The faces of NEWS. Now they’re out of NEWS. Damn.

I AM DREAMING OF YOU COMING BACK. *sobs*

--

I almost lose my faith. It wasn't clarified to me that NEWS will still continue as a four-member group... I thought they were disbanding.So when I wrote the entry, there was a lot more hate (This was the edited version, and the original, ALL-HATE-ALL-CAPS entry was already in the trash bin. Now I'm regretting throwing it away 'coz I wanna know my exact initial words that could've ornamented this post! :p)

Meanwhile, a surge of hope in spite of the bitterness made me add this in the diary entry:

Koyama loves NEWS so much. He will be a great leader, loving NEWS greater each day.

Tegoshi’s home is NEWS. He started here, and until the end he will remain faithful here.

Shige is smart enough to know that NEWS needs him. He will guide NEWS throughout the story.

Massu smiles because of NEWS. He will continue supporting and showing his cheerful smile even more.

( ^ If you noticed there are 16 words per sentence. It was supposed to be poem-like, and besides, 4 x 4 = 16.)

Then I also wrote my new NEWS ranking:

-Tego-Keii-Masu-Kato

I commented below the entry, "kelangan talaga 4 letters?" Obviously, I was exaggerating the essence of the new NEWS: Four. 4-nin.

By the way, throughout the setting I was only singing one song.Fly Again. ♪

After October 7, 2011

Promise

After that painful day I promised to NEWS that I'll love them even more (hey, they stayed! And the fact that Tegoshi's still there... ♥)I somehow didn't fulfill that promise during the latter part of 2011 and early 2012 because I got into other fandoms (temptations are everywhere orz). But I knew in my heart that my support for NEWS got stronger.

Also, it was after a few months that I had the courage to read articles regarding RyoPi's withdrawal. And the good news? I wasn't blind anymore, the fans' comments and NEWS' own comments opened my eyes. I now know that what happened paved the way for a happier, healthier NEWS. And if before I thought of 6-nin as the perfect NEWS? Well.... 4-nin is not perfect, but they're definitely the best.

Many things happened I can't sum it up here... It's been two years, wow. But what's more amusing, it's been 10 years since NEWS was formed. The past two years was only a part of a much more larger and dramatic history.

Cheers to the group and the fanbase. Happy 2nd anniversary 4-nin NEWS.

I haven't made a message for NEWS. Not yet. I'll do that later before I sleep. Because I want to write my honest feelings and keep it to myself, for even if I shout it or not, I know NEWS will know it.

But of course I made some little presents and a hearty tribute to these boys.HERE & HERE

What has happened to LiveJournal? In the last few days I couldn't post anything because the icons on the kitchen sink were missing. ><Oh well, late-posting this. 4 drabbles inspired by some songs in the NEWS album. The fics aren't necessarily related to the meaning of the songs. I was just inspired, you know. ^^

A/N: not beta-ed. So sorry for the mistakes! Also, these drabbles were written on the night before NEWS concert (Thursday night), so for the 2nd drabble 'HERO', it was just a mere coincidence that I wrote a story about NEWS cancelling a concert, and the cancellation of their Saturday night concert. I have nothing to do with this LOL~ xD

I'm tounge-tied again, I'm always like this in front of the computer. I'm more talkative at texting eh! Hahaha. Nevertheless all my thoughts and feels today came out on my Tumblr blog. It's literally overflowing with Massu. ♥

I'm gonna cross-post one here:Massu chibi pics. It took me hours to compile these and more. And while finding pictures on google I kept on looking at every Tegoshi picture that appears LOL

As I stated above, I dunno what to say. O__o Basta, stay being the lovable Masuda Takahisa, and may more blessings come your way. ♥

And TEGOSHI... Let's just save Tegoshi-flailing later k?Because this post is about KOYASHIGEMASSU and how hilarious I am for worrying who really is my niban among the three?

(o diba, weirdo. xD)

Eh kaseeeeee! I can just say that these three are all my nibans, but, my heart is yearning for ONE NIBAN. It says I should have only one niban, one niban, one niban, and daaaamn I can't decide who's that one niban.

I have many faves! Sweeeear. And since I can't choose, I'll just put my very recent edit (edited this 5 minutes ago :p) and consider this as my fave. (But then again, I have tons and tons of faves! Damn!)

Quote credits to Keiichan, on his J-web entry here. As for the picture I don't know which magazine this is from, just got them on Tumblr with inala on the credit. xD